Since January, more than 4100 animals have been rescued by WIRES East, in September alone 550 rescues were made. A loss of habitat due to urban development, the loss of mature trees and an increase in domestic pets, particularly during the Covid lockdowns, contribute to wildlife injuries.
Today, we chat with Wentworth local Eliana Leopold, chair of WIRES East branch covering Waverley, Woollahra and Randwick Councils, with close to 200 volunteers.
Join us as Eliana shares some of the ups and downs of being a WIRES volunteer, caring for injured possums in her home and tips about what we can do to nurture and protect our diverse and unique wildlife in Wentworth.
"There is a lack of awareness and understanding about the plethora of wildlife that lives around us and the impact that we could unintentionally be having," Eliana tells us.
This is the first of a series of Voices of Wentworth interviews celebrating the people of Wentworth that inspire us! Because we know you care, Wentworth cares.
A special thank you to Eliana for her time and insights; and for guest appearance by Tilly the possum.
What can we do to support our native wildlife? Lots!
"There is such an opportunity for us to connect better with our community, including our local wildlife.”
Rescue - Please contact WIRES if you find injured wildlife or phone: 1300 094 737
Volunteer - Become a rescuer and carer
Donate - contact Wires here
Sign - the petition to keep our Wild Life WILD
Useful Links
Professor Graeme Samuel's Independent Review into the Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act. "Graeme Samuel's Independent review provided some very confronting but tactical changes we can make to further protect our environment and our wildlife.”
Voices of Wentworth Town Hall 'What's the Future of Environmental Protection"
How to safely remove a possum from your roof and make a possum box
Native Wildlife Colouring in Page for Kids